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Gateway Exhibition Center opens to the public

Columbia County officials are showing off the county’s newest property – the Exhibition Center – with a four-day open house this week.

The $7.3 million, 47,000-square-foot building is in the Gateway Shopping Center near Grovetown.

“I think it’s going to be a fun four days of events,” said Calie Cook, county Rental Facilities and Venues marketing manager.

Events begin Thursday with an open house from 1 to 4:30 p.m. About 40 vendors will be set up during the open house.

“(People) can walk through the facility, visit the vendors,” Cook said. “We want to show everybody what we’re capable of at the building and what we have to offer.”

A job fair is slated for 1-7 p.m. Friday. More than 30 hiring companies are expected to be set up and possibly doing on-site interviews.

“We encourage the public to come out,” Cook said. “Any business that is looking to hire is more than welcome to participate.”

A Family Fitness day is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

“That’s probably going to be everybody’s favorite,” Cook said.

The Family Y, which rents a portion of the exhibition center, and other recreational groups such as Warrior Jiu-Jitsu MMA Academy, Seigler’s Karate Center, Hayden’s Gym and dance groups participate.

Cook said families wanting to get their children involved in sports can bring them to the Exhibition Center and talk to those running the programs. There also will be demonstrations from many of the groups.

“We’re very excited about that day,” Cook said.

Sunday is Faith Day. From 1 to 5 p.m., churches and other religious organizations will be at the Exhibition Center as a way “for everybody to come together,” Cook said. The public is invited to attend, visit church and organization booths and enjoy performances.

Vendors for the events and hiring companies for the job fair are still able to participate.